Car Review: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

TDI Highline

by
Graeme Fletcher, Postmedia News | November 3, 2010

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Since its introduction, the Jetta has always been a "trunked" version of the Golf hatchback. There was nothing wrong with that, as the original hot hatch has always been a highly respected set of wheels. The latest Jetta, however, charts a very different path — riding on its own platform and now getting the size it has always needed.

The 2011 Jetta stretches 4,628 millimetres from bumper to bumper, making it the longest Jetta ever (by 74 mm over its predecessor). It also stands 1,453 mm tall and 1,778 mm wide, which creates a cavernous cabin. Up front, there’s plenty of elbow room and a light airy feel that almost makes it feel like a mid-sized car rather than the compact offering it is in reality. Slip into the rear seat and the 73-mm stretch to the wheelbase (now 2,651 mm) is almost exclusively dedicated to the rear occupants. Factor in the width and the seat accommodates three adults comfortably with but one caveat — there is nowhere to put one’s feet in the middle spot because of the tunnel intrusion and the centre console that separates the front seats.

Behind the rear seats is one of the largest trunks in the segment — at 15.5 cubic feet it is voluminous to say the least. In fact, it is almost too big, and that’s something I have never said before. You see, if anything rolls up against the back seat, one is left with little dignity after climbing in to retrieve said object.

As for content, the Jetta can be ordered with as little or as much as the potential owner desires. The base car is pretty sparse (no air conditioning), but move up to the range-topping Highline TDI tested and there’s a plethora of stuff — everything from a solid sound system that includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen to the usual power toys and an optional navigation system. However, two things are absent from the otherwise well-conceived ride. First, automatic headlights are pretty much standard on most new cars, but not on the Jetta. Second, even after upgrading to the navigation system, there is no backup camera. It’s not so much the Jetta’s sightlines demand one; rather, it’s the fact that its key competition offer the ability to see behind.

Nits aside, what really impressed me was the quality of the interior materials and the manner in which they are fashioned. The Jetta is easily the class of the segment and a rival for many Audi interiors (the best there is for my money).

The larger platform also pays dividends in the handling department. Certainly, purists will suggest the adoption of a twist beam rear axle is a regressive move. In reality, it makes little or no difference to the manner in which the Jetta attacks a corner. It is balanced and then some. There was very little in the way of body roll through my favourite set of sweepers, the response to steering input was crisp and linear and understeer was muted to the point where it was a non-issue — credit the P225/45R17 tires.

Likewise, the anti-lock braking system is strong and the traction/stability control system sits in the background until it is actually needed. In short, the Jetta is a dynamic delight that’s a match for the Golf despite its increased size.

Three very different engines power the Jetta. The base 2.0-litre lump only pushes 115 horsepower and it’s beginning to show its age in terms of overall refinement. Move up to the 2.5L five-cylinder and things are appreciably better–the 170 hp is much more rewarding. However, the engine of choice is VW’s delightful TDI (turbocharged direct injection) diesel. Sure, it only makes 140 hp, but that matters not a whit. It’s the 236 pound-feet of torque it develops at just 1,750 rpm that makes a world of difference. The beauty of the power delivery is that there is no turbo lag whatsoever, which means that the slightest stab at the accelerator pedal yields an instant reaction. Mat the pedal and the TDI scoots to 100 kilometres an hour in just 8.5 seconds.

What makes the powertrain all the sweeter is the optional direct-shift gearbox — "twin clutch" to use the vernacular. It is as good as any transmission gets. The shifts are both smooth and blindingly quick, the ratios are perfectly matched to the diesel’s work ethic and the paddle shifters work regardless of shifter position, which gives the driver access to the diesel’s strong engine braking whenever desired.

I liked the past Jetta despite its compact nature. The latest version is better in every way. The cabin is accommodating and classy, it has a ton of space and, when equipped with that TDI/DSG combination, it boasts one of the best power-trains available. Of course, the fact the TDI’s sportiness is backed up by an equal measure of frugality makes it all the more compelling–I averaged a stellar 6.8 litres per 100 km during the test.